Bangladesh’s ODI campaign against Sri Lanka suffered a dramatic setback after a historic batting collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 5 runs in the first ODI at Colombo on Tuesday. Sri Lanka registered a 77-run victory, marking a world record as Bangladesh crumbled in an unexpected fashion, despite being well positioned in the run chase earlier.
Taskin Ahmed Admits Panic During Collapse
Speaking candidly after the match, Bangladesh fast bowler Taskin Ahmed admitted:
“We panicked a bit. The pitch was not unplayable, but their bowlers bowled good areas and we lost wickets quickly. We need to assess such situations better and show more patience.”
Taskin’s statement came after Bangladesh lost from 117/3 to 122 all out, chasing a modest target of 200 runs set by Sri Lanka.
Bangladesh’s 7-for-5 Collapse – How It Happened
| Fall of Wickets | Score | Batsman Dismissed | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4th | 117 | Shakib Al Hasan (c) | Theekshana |
| 5th | 118 | Mushfiqur Rahim | Rajitha |
| 6th | 118 | Mehidy Hasan Miraz | Rajitha |
| 7th | 118 | Taskin Ahmed | Rajitha |
| 8th | 119 | Mustafizur Rahman | Rajitha |
| 9th | 121 | Nasum Ahmed | Theekshana |
| 10th | 122 | Shoriful Islam | Theekshana |
Sri Lanka’s Kasun Rajitha and Maheesh Theekshana tore through the middle and lower order, exploiting movement and Bangladesh’s tentative footwork.
What Went Wrong for Bangladesh?
1. Lack of Application Under Pressure
Taskin highlighted that batters played rash shots under pressure:
“We needed partnerships. Even 20-30 run stands could have won us the game.”
2. Failure to Rotate Strike
Sri Lanka bowled tight lines, preventing easy singles. Bangladeshi batters attempted risky shots to break the pressure, resulting in edges and bowled dismissals.
3. Psychological Impact
Former Bangladesh coach Chandika Hathurusingha explained during commentary:
“Once they lost Shakib and Mushfiqur quickly, panic set in. Lower order batters are not trained to handle high-pressure chases with so few runs remaining.”
Reactions from Former Players and Fans
- Habibul Bashar (Former Captain): “This is one of the worst collapses I have seen from Bangladesh. They need to improve temperament under pressure.”
- Mashrafe Mortaza (Ex Captain & MP): “They need to back their defence in such situations. Modern ODI cricket still rewards basics.”
- Fans on social media:
- “Heartbreaking loss. We were cruising at one stage.”
- “Congrats to Sri Lanka but this is unacceptable batting from Bangladesh.”
Sri Lanka Sets World Record
Sri Lanka created a new world record for the least runs conceded while taking 7 wickets in an ODI (5 runs). Previously, the record was held by South Africa vs West Indies in 2004 when West Indies lost 6 wickets for 6 runs.
Sri Lankan Bowling Heroes
| Bowler | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kasun Rajitha | 8 | 24 | 4 |
| Maheesh Theekshana | 10 | 28 | 3 |
What Next for Bangladesh?
Bangladesh now trails 0-1 in the three-match ODI series, with the second match scheduled at the same venue later this week. Taskin outlined the team’s approach:
“We will sit as a unit, review calmly, and back our abilities. The pitch will remain similar, so adjustments are mental more than technical.”
Areas Needing Urgent Improvement
- Middle Order Stability: Shakib, Mushfiqur, and Mehidy’s dismissals in quick succession left the lower order exposed.
- Tail-End Resistance: Bangladesh’s tail has historically struggled to add runs under pressure.
- Game Awareness: Players must avoid panicking despite scoreboard pressure.
Sri Lanka’s Dominance
Sri Lanka, under Dasun Shanaka’s leadership, showcased:
- Disciplined bowling and fielding.
- Ability to seize momentum during crucial phases.
- Tactical captaincy rotating pacers and spinners effectively.
Final Takeaway
Taskin Ahmed’s honest admission reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing struggle with collapses under pressure. As the team prepares for the next ODI, mental resilience, strike rotation, and playing risk-free cricket will be key focus areas if they aim to bounce back and keep the series alive.
Disclaimer: Match statistics are based on live ESPNcricinfo and ICC updates as of July 2025. For full match scorecards, visit official Bangladesh Cricket Board and Sri Lanka Cricket portals.
